By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has commended the MacArthur Foundation for it’s remarkable humanitarian work in Nigeria.
Hon. Abba Isa, who was a special guest at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the MacArthur Foundation office in Nigeria, noted that for three decades, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has made significant contributions across various sectors in Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy of transformation and sustainable development.
The Senior presidential aide mentioned that since the establishment of the Foundation’s Nigeria Office in 1994, it’s efforts in strengthening Nigerian universities, improving reproductive health, advancing human rights, and empowering economically marginalized girls have undeniably contributed to shaping a brighter future for the nation.
The SSAP revealed that the On Nigeria program, in particular, stands as a testament to the power of partnerships and collective action in the fight against corruption, as it strengthens accountability, transparency, and citizen participation at the grassroots level.
He further stated that the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities specially commends and recognizes the tremendous impact the MacArthur Foundation has made in fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for all Nigerians, particularly the underserved and marginalized.
“We specially recognise and express deep appreciation for MacArthur Foundation’s sub-grant to my office to undertake a situation analysis of PWDs in Borno State in the wake of the flooding and cholera outbreak, as well as organising an Inter-Ministerial and Inter-Agency Disability Rights Awareness/Advocacy Workshop,” the SSAP stated.
The presidential aide revealed that plans are in action to put these utmost important events together, and we are determined to maximise the minimal resources.
“The research work is in progress and the Inter-Ministerial and Inter-Agency Disability Rights Awareness/Advocacy Workshop will hold on November 5, in the Presidential Villa. We will bring all Ministries and Agencies of government together to create awareness on disability rights and advocate for inclusion in their organisations. We will extend invitation to the McArthur team and other partners to attend this event.
“In line with the mandate of my office to create avenues of opportunities for inclusion of disability perspectives in the policy, plans and programmes of MDAs, development partners and to work closely with State Government to ensure disability friendly policies and environmental conditions, i declare that my door is opened for collaboration and partnerships and to receiving funding from institutions such as yours to execute our numerous programs and escalate interventions for the disability community.
“As noble as my mandate is, i have no single budget, hence i have to innovate and partner with development agencies like yours to fulfil my mandate,” the presidential aide maintained.
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